How New Jersey's 6-point violation affects your license

A 6-point violation in New Jersey suspends your driver's license for three months. This is one of the most serious single violations the state assigns — it typically means a serious traffic offense like reckless driving, driving under the influence (DUI), or eluding police. Your license goes inactive on the date the court enters the conviction, and you cannot legally drive until the suspension period ends.

The suspension is automatic; you do not need to wait for a letter from the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). However, you will receive official notice by mail. During those three months, driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that carries its own penalties, including fines and possible jail time.

Key Takeaways

  • A 6-point violation suspends your New Jersey license for exactly three months from the conviction date.
  • Common 6-point offenses include reckless driving, DUI, and eluding police — not minor speeding or parking violations.
  • You must stop driving when ready after conviction; the suspension is automatic and does not require MVC approval.
  • After the three months end, you must visit an MVC office in person to restore your license — it does not automatically reactivate.
  • Driving during the suspension period is a separate crime that can result in fines up to $500 and jail time.

Which violations carry 6 points in New Jersey

New Jersey assigns 6 points to serious moving violations. The most common are reckless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96), driving under the influence or DUI (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50), and eluding or attempting to elude police (N.J.S.A. 39:4-135). Other 6-point offenses include leaving the scene of an accident with injury, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and certain hit-and-run violations.

These are distinct from lower-point violations like speeding (2 to 5 points depending on how far over the limit) or careless driving (2 points). A single 6-point conviction is enough to trigger a suspension; you do not need to accumulate points over time. If you receive multiple violations in one incident — for example, DUI plus reckless driving — the court may impose consecutive or concurrent sentences, which affects how long your license stays suspended.

When your suspension starts and ends

Your three-month suspension begins on the date the judge enters the conviction in court, not the date you were stopped or arrested. If you plead guilty or are found guilty at trial, the suspension clock starts that same day. You will receive a written notice from the MVC within one to two weeks, but the suspension is already in effect.

The suspension lasts exactly three calendar months. If you are convicted on January 15, your license is suspended through April 15. You cannot drive on April 15 itself; you become may be able to access to restore your license on April 16. Many people mistakenly believe the suspension ends at midnight on the last day — it actually ends at the start of the next day.

How to restore your license after the suspension ends

Your license does not automatically turn back on after three months. You must visit a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office in person to restore it. Bring your driver's license (even though it is suspended), a valid form of identification, and proof that the suspension period has ended — the MVC notice you received serves as proof.

There is no fee to restore your license after a 6-point suspension. The MVC will issue you a new license card on the spot if you pass a vision test. If your license has expired during the suspension period, you may need to renew it at the same time, which does carry a fee. Check the MVC website or call your local office before you go to confirm what documents they need and whether appointments are required.

What happens if you drive during the suspension

Driving with a suspended license in New Jersey is a separate criminal offense. For a first offense, you face a fine of $200 to $500 and possible jail time up to 10 days. A second offense within five years increases the fine to $500 to $1,000 and jail time up to 30 days. A third or subsequent offense can result in fines up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail.

Police can stop you for any traffic violation and will discover the suspension when they run your license. Even if you were not speeding or breaking any other law, an officer can pull you over if they have reasonable suspicion — for example, if your vehicle matches a description or if you are driving at an unusual hour. The consequences stack: you face both the original suspension and new criminal charges.

How a 6-point violation affects your insurance and future driving record

Insurance companies in New Jersey can see your conviction and the points on your driving record. A 6-point violation typically causes your insurance rates to increase significantly — often by 50% or more — and the increase usually lasts three to five years. Some insurers may drop you entirely, forcing you to seek coverage through the New Jersey Insurance Underwriting Association (NJUA), which is more expensive.

The 6 points remain on your driving record for three years from the conviction date. After three years, they drop off your record, but the conviction itself may stay visible longer depending on the offense. If you receive another violation before the three years are up, the points accumulate. Reaching 12 points in a three-year period triggers a separate license suspension.

Options if you were convicted of a 6-point offense

If you were recently convicted, your suspension is already in effect and cannot be stopped. However, you may have had options before conviction. Some people work with a traffic attorney to negotiate a plea deal that reduces the charge to a lower-point offense, though this depends on the specific facts and the prosecutor's willingness to negotiate.

After your suspension ends and your license is restored, you can take a defensive driving course through an approved provider. Completing the course does not remove points from your record, but it may reduce your insurance rates and shows insurers that you are taking safety seriously. New Jersey also offers a Probationary License Program in limited circumstances, but this is rare and requires specific conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a work license or hardship license during my 6-point suspension?

New Jersey does not issue work licenses or hardship licenses for 6-point suspensions. You must wait out the full three months. Some other states allow limited driving for work or medical reasons, but New Jersey's law does not provide this exception for 6-point violations.

What if I was convicted in another state — does it count toward my New Jersey license?

Yes. New Jersey recognizes convictions from other states through the Interstate Compact on Driving Safety. A 6-point equivalent offense from another state will trigger the same three-month suspension in New Jersey. The MVC will notify you and your suspension will begin.

Does the suspension affect my commercial driver's license (CDL)?

If you hold a CDL, a 6-point violation suspends both your regular and commercial licenses for three months. Some 6-point offenses — particularly DUI — may also disqualify you from holding a CDL for longer periods under federal rules, even after the suspension ends.

Can I appeal the suspension or ask for it to be shortened?

No. The three-month suspension is mandatory by state law and cannot be appealed or shortened. If you believe the conviction itself was wrong, you would need to appeal the conviction through the court system, which is a separate legal process that requires an attorney.

What happens if my license expires while it is suspended?

Your license remains suspended even if it expires. When you go to restore it after the suspension ends, you will need to renew it at the same time if it has passed its expiration date. This adds a renewal fee to the restoration process.